12 Keys to Defending the Spread

Coach George brings valuable Big 10 and MAC coaching experience to this defensive presentation. In 2005, Coach George mentored all-league defensive end Victor Adeyanju, who was a fourth round selection of the St. Louis Rams in the 2006 NFL Draft. In this DVD he shares his knowledge on defending the Spread in a detailed and easy to follow fashion. Though the 4-3 defense is highlighted, George stresses that the principles can be applied to many defensive strategies. To defend the spread, a coach must know the offense's objectives. The prime offensive objective in the spread is to isolate skilled players on lesser skilled athletes. Four keys to stopping the spread are stressed including mixing up and disguising coverages, and having solutions for open gaps within the box. George presents game-tested concepts that have proven successful against the spread. Using automatic front call to the running back, and "Gap" calls are two important adjustments against the spread. Also demonstrated with game footage are the Back Cat, Q Cat and Alley Cat. Solutions to the bubble and flat problems are created with Check Curl against twin receivers. Another adjustment is the Empty coverage adjustment, ignoring the #1 receiver. George uses game footage to specifically analyze the priority coverages against the spread. The popularity of the Spread offense has swept through football programs across the country. Take the concepts and principles presented here to solidify your defensive attack against any spread offense.